Emdad Rahman
IT WAS HEARTS in the mouth as a rain-drenched day of great drama and shredded nerves saw Shane Moss CC and Scintilla CC play out a classic during their Essex County Cricket League cup match at Springfield Park, Hackney.
Both teams experienced rain and freezing temperatures as the unpredictability of the great British weather dictated the match day proceedings. With rain affecting play numerous times, the match was reduced to 20 overs a side.
Scintilla captain for the day Adil Ejaz rotated the squad to bring in Safiul Islam as wicketkeeper as well as Din Islam, Sohel Ahmed and Ebrahim Mohammedbhai. Scintilla also introduced former Barking CC star Shahid Saeed and the veteran Amir Khan as debutants, and the experience of the old hands ensured a smooth and welcome transition into the team. With Scintilla batting first, newcomer Khan hammered 74, with Juwel Roy adding 49 to help the visitors reach 171 from 20 overs.
After tea Rifat Mahmud led the attack and took a crucial wicket as the excellent Mahabub Ahasan Chisty (3) and Ejaz (2) led the assault on Shane Moss, with Abdullah reaching 75 before being bowled by Chisty – a crucial wicket. With temperatures dropping to an uncomfortable cold chill, the umpires ruled that a power over be played by both teams.
Shane Moss batted first to reach 17 runs. With Juwel Roy losing his wicket after thundering a six out of the ground, it was left to Ejaz and Ashraful to steer home – with the latter striking the crucial winning run. Understandably the wild Scintilla celebrations erupted and were prolonged as every member of the team hollered loud and long in sheer elation.
Scintilla captain Ejaz was jubilant after the win: “We never give up and today we never buckled as we let our talent do the talking. I was impressed with the boys and their composure even when our super over looked a mountain too high. This is a game that will remain a cherished memory for everyone here today.”
Club Captain Ahmed Choudhury concluded: “It was top drawer cricket, a total team effort and great captaincy under pressure! Roy kept us in the game and Chisty turned the match for us. It’s been a brilliant long weekend for Scintilla players, supporters, fans and officials. Both the Club Chair Emdad Rahman MBE and I were standing outside the boundary line and we were both literally shaking during the super over!”
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